Osteoporosis: Causes, symptoms, risks, and ways to keep your bones strong
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder marked by reduced bone mass and structural deterioration, leading to fragile bones and fractures. It commonly affects postmenopausal women due to estrogen loss.
Causes of osteoporosis: Ageing and Bone Changes As one ages, the body begins to undergo various changes over the course of time. One such change that is seen in the bones is osteoporosis, which encompasses a disorder of the skeletal system where the bone mass declines. The architecture of the bone deteriorates as well (Images: Canva)
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Osteoporosis causes: Bone Fragility and Resorption Due to these processes, resorption of bones occurs faster than bone formation, which contribute to increased fragility. Fragile bones tend to get more fractures, with less force than would usually result in one. The bone mineral density reduces below 2.5 standard deviation.
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Role of Estrogen in Bone Health Women undergo menopause after a certain age, which signifies the cessation of the menstrual cycles. These cycles aid in maintaining the hormone balance. Once menstruation ceases, the levels of estrogen in the body begin to deplete. As estrogen is responsible for maintaining healthy bones, its reduction leads to bone fragility and osteoporosis.
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Types of Osteoporosis Osteoporosis can be primary, which occurs because of post-menopausal causes or increased age. On the other hand, secondary osteoporosis results because of endocrine (hormonal) or metabolic reasons. Secondary osteoporosis can be drug-induced as well.
Other causes of osteoporosis: Underlying Causes and Mechanisms Other underlying factors that influence the development of osteoporosis include gaining, increased levels of thyroid hormones more than normal, over-use of steroids and reduced levels of the hormones in the body. Malabsorption syndromes can also result in the development of osteoporosis.
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Major Risk Factors Risk factors for osteoporosis are aplenty. Advancing age and a low body mass index can influence this condition. Women are more susceptible than men, as the cessation of menstruation plays a role in bone density. Excessive intake of alcohol has also been found to influence this condition.
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Symptoms of osteoporosis: Clinical Manifestations Osteoporosis is often asymptomatic, until a fracture occurs. Typically, the vertebral column (the bones that protect the spine) begin compressing, which leads to an apparent reduction in the height of the affected individual. A hump, known as Dowager’s hump, can develop later.
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Pain and Fracture Pattern The person begins to experience back pain, and fractures caused by minimal trauma in the hip and spine, and even the writs, occur frequently. Such breaks in the continuity of the bone can occur spontaneously as well. There are some investigations and scores that help in diagnosis.
Diagnostic Evaluation Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also referred to as DEXA, is the gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Other biochemical markers like the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood, along with serum alkaline phosphates levels are recommended.
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How to prevent osteoporosis: Prevention and Lifestyle Measures This condition can be prevented by making certain that the bone mass remains adequate during youth. Consuming a healthy diet which offers a good amount of calcium, vitamin D and continuing physical activity can help. It is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking as well. (Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
